Why You Should Consider Living in Central New Jersey

There’s a lot to like about living anywhere in New Jersey, but Central New Jersey has its unique appeal. This region includes some of the best higher education institutes, appealing outdoor destinations, and busiest cities in the state. Let’s dive into what makes living in Central New Jersey desirable to residents.

Affordable Living

While Central New Jersey is not as affordable as South New Jersey, there are still many areas in Central New Jersey where homes can be found at a reasonable price.

In many of the biggest cities in Central New Jersey, the median cost of a home is less than the national average, which, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, is $428,000. In Lakewood, Redfin reports that the median cost of a home is around $340,000. In Woodbridge, the Redfin reports that the median cost of a home is about $410,000. Central New Jersey has plenty of appealing cities that are mostly much more affordable than typical big cities.

Excellent Economy

Even though Central New Jersey is largely affordable, it has a significant economy, so there are plenty of opportunities for professionals seeking employment. Its cities are thriving areas with significant industries that provide qualified residents with high-paying careers.

Central New Jersey is particularly successful in the telecommunication industry. Companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Bell Labs have important regional locations. It is also an area that houses significant healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, as Johnson & Johnson and Merck both have campuses in the area. Central New Jersey is home to Rutgers University and Princeton University as well, two of the state’s top academic institutions.

Image source: @reddit.com

Busy Urban Hubs

Central New Jersey is a busy region with several significant cities. While it isn’t as urban as North New Jersey, Central New Jersey still has a population of more than 3,000,000. The population in Central New Jersey is fairly spread out, with eight cities in the region having populations of more than 75,000 and four cities having populations of more than 100,000. This means there is an abundance of busy cities and towns to live in.

Elizabeth is the biggest city in Central New Jersey. It is a historic city with top-notch schools and an abundance of local parks, making it perfect for young families. Also, Lakewood is a New Jersey city that has seen its population surge recently as many move here for its thriving economy, scenic nature, and proximity to the water. Many other cities and towns in Central New Jersey offer an excellent quality of life.

Image source: @goelizabethnj.com

Jersey Shore Destinations

The Jersey Shore is one of the most appealing parts of the state, a large stretch of coastline with sandy beaches, busy boardwalks, and ocean views. While Atlantic City and Ocean City are the most well-known Jersey Shore destinations, Central New Jersey offers quieter, less busy towns on the water for those that want to escape the crowds.

Asbury Park is one popular Central Jersey Shore destination. This is a beachy community known for its great music scene and boardwalk. Long Branch is another Jersey Shore city with excellent beaches and great nightlife, and Belmar is a seaside community with top-notch surfing. It is an area with tons of appealing beach towns that don’t see the same crowds as other Jersey Shore cities.

Image source: @apboardwalk.com